Universal Registration Document 2023

4.2 SOCIAL: FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS, DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION, AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Business growth was very strong in 2023. The Groupe’s employees drive the Company’s dynamism and have shown adaptability and effectively met their clients’ expectations. Social issues are central and material for Publicis Groupe, with teams and human capital being the Company’s main asset.  

4.2.1 Publicis Groupe’s commitments in terms of fundamental human rights 

Since its creation in 1926 by Marcel Bleustein‑Blanchet, the Groupe’s values have been based on humanistic and universal principles. These principles were shared by the founder in numerous books illustrating his vision of the Company and its role in society at the time. With the international expansion over the years led by Maurice Lévy, then Chairman of the Management Board, these values were written in order to be more widely shared with the employees joining the Groupe through multiple acquisitions. They are based on human dignity, respect for everyone in their differences, and on the fight against all forms of discrimination or harassment. This document is still public, and was the basis for the Group's Janus Code of Conduct and Ethics, introduced in the early 2000s. These values are regularly reaffirmed and strongly endorsed by the Chairman of the Management Board, Arthur Sadoun, as well as the members of the Management Board, the Directoire+ and the Management Committee

• In 2003, Publicis Groupe signed the United Nations Global Compact, reaffirming its commitment to the ten key principles each year. These principles were then integrated into the Company's human resources policy to affirm its commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to the fight against all forms of forced labor, modern slavery, human trafficking and child labor;
• In 2009, Publicis Groupe acquired the Women's Forum for the Economy and the Society, illustrating its determination to promote gender equality, the defense of the rights of women and girls, and to highlight the strong economic and social contribution of women in society (see Section 4.2.4).
• In 2011, the Groupe joined Catalyst in the United States, an NGO specializing in gender and diversity issues in the broadest sense, acting as an expert center that shares a great deal of corporate knowledge and experience.
• In 2015, the Groupe aligned itself with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• In 2018, Publicis Groupe signed the WEPs (Women Empowerment Principles of the United Nations) and joined the AIMM (Alliance for Inclusive Multicultural Marketing) in the United States, as well as the Free The Work initiative, promoting women in the professions of production, direction and photography.

4.2.2 Analysis of impacts, risks and opportunities related to social issues 

4.2.2.1 Impacts related to social and human issues

With more than 103,000 employees worldwide, Publicis Groupe is a major employer. Employees are the Company’s core asset. This human capital is at the heart of the Top Management's concerns, as it is very aware of the value of each individual and is keen to ensure that everyone feels good in their professional activities.

The direct impacts on employees are numerous, from the rapid evolution of professions and skills requiring constant agility to working conditions enabling effective flexibility for all, and even taking into account employees' physical and mental health. The direct positive impacts are tangible in view of the decisions taken at critical moments, such as the decision to maintain the salaries of our employees in Ukraine faced with the war in 2022 and 2023 (see Section 4.2.8), or the #WorkingWithCancer program, protecting the compensation and position of employees affected by chronic diseases. (see Section 4.2.6.3)